Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods for aseptically transferring fluid into or out of a closed aseptic processing system. The apparatus comprises a novel fluid transfer station, including a needle bundle driver, a mounting base mounting the driver to a tank, and a fluid receiver assembly. The needle bundle driver includes a needle bundle holder which holds a needle bundle while the ends of the needles are driven into the tank through the fluid receiver assembly. The cooperation between the needle holder and the needle bundle includes a pair of clamp arms which extend outwardly from the needle bundle, and terminate in top and bottom pods. The top and bottom pods cooperate with the top surface of a support block and a bottom surface with an overhead clamping block, for locking the needle bundle into the needle holder, immobilizing the needle bundle between the clamping block and the support block.

Abstract: The invention concerns the automated robotic system for dispensing drugs from vials into liquid containers such as IV bags or syringes. A robot selects a vial and a suitable container and transports them to a processing station together with a needle which may be double-ended. At the processing station the contents of the vial are transferred into the container. Some of the contents of the container may be transferred into the vial in order to reconstitute and/or wash out the vial contents and agitation may be provided for the vial. Various additional devices may be provided such as a decapping device for the vials, an alcohol swabbing station for swabbing the top of a vial and/or the input port of a IV bag or syringe. Moreover, a label printer may be provided so that the robot may deliver a label with the finally processed IV bag and empty vial to a verification station. When IV bags are used, the invention may feature a conveyor of trays of the bags to a pick-up station of the robot.

Abstract: Method for destroying aerosol cans providing for their complete emptying, recovery, separation of various elements contained without losses, and the devices, automatic or not, for implementing the destruction method as well as the automatic piercing machine. The invention is related to the industrial sector of recovery and valorisation of waste products, the innovation of the method according to the invention allowing to pierce the aerosol can by means of a hollow needle (2) allowing to transfer the contents into a low pressure separation vat (8) making both housings, the aerosol can and the vat (8) to communicate, the invention using the resulting expansion in order to seperate the gases from the liquids, said gases thus expanded being sucked, compressed means of a compressor (13), liquified by an air-condenser (15) from where they are transferred into storage vats for treatment or reuse, the recovered liquids at the bottom of the vat (8) being transferred for reconditioning, treatment or destruction.

Abstract: A containment vessel is provided to allow the safe, environmentally acceptable release and recontainerization or other processing of hazardous contents from compressed gas cylinders or other target container. The containment vessel is used to position a gas cylinder or other target container adjacent to one or more pneumatic guns. A variety of projectiles are provided for use with the pneumatic guns to pierce the body of the target container. A pneumatic chamber and gun barrel are attached to the containment vessel intermediate the ends thereof to fire a projectile which will puncture the target. Connections are provided for communicating with the containment vessel for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by rupturing the target without releasing the contents into the environment. All of the gas cylinder processing operations may be conducted remotely.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing beverages within containers, including a hand-held charging gun adapted to controllably admit pressurized gas such as CO.sub.2 into the container up to a predetermined limit. The charging gun includes a pressure regulating head and a manual control button. The pressure regulating head is sized to fit over a receptor of a check valve cap which is configured to thread onto the neck of a common beverage bottle. Positioning the charging gun so that the receptor fits within the receptor cavity and depressing the manual control button commences the flow of CO.sub.2 gas into the bottle. At a predetermined pressure limit, a pressure regulator renders the continued depression of the control button ineffective and stops the gas flow. The pressure regulating head includes a blow-back plug for preventing matter from the bottle from entering the piston cylinder. A check valve in the cap includes a piston which is sealingly held against a gasket at the upper end of the receptor.

Abstract: A medication dispenser (2, 120) is used to directly fill a syringe (8, 134) with measured amounts of one or more liquid medications, typically two different types of insulin, from containers, such as vials (4, 6) and cartridges (230, 232, 234) each having a septum at one end; each cartridge has a pierceable piston (256) at the other end. The septum of each container is pierced by hollow liquid spikes (54) while hollow gas spikes (56) pierce the septum of the vial and the piston of the cartridge. Liquid is pumped out of the container and air is replaced into the container through the liquid and gas spikes. Two of the cartridges can contain a diluent (231) and a lyophilized component (233) respectively; the diluent in the first cartridge can be pumped into the second cartridge through a one-way valve to create a mixed pharmaceutical which is then pumped into the syringe, with or without another pharmaceutical.

Abstract: A system for recovering propellant from aerosol cans and other sources having a gaseous propellant therein, which system constitutes a separation tank in which the propellant is separated from the product it was to deliver, a compressor to both compress the propellant and introduce it into a heat exchanger which cools the propellant into a liquid which liquid can be collected in a collection chamber in communication therewith.

Abstract: A container having a pouring spout for pouring oil into an engine (14). The container has a cap (24) which is screwed onto a neck portion (16) of the container. The cap (24) has radial ribs (32) tapering toward the cap bottom (28). The end of the neck portion (20) has a reduced diameter and is aligned with a breakable portion (28a) formed in the cap bottom. In use, the container is inserted in an inverted position so that the spout attends into an inlet opening (11) of the engine. Radial ribs (32) are wedged in the inlet opening by applying an axial force to the container body (10), and the body is then rotated with respect to the immovable cap (24). As a result of this rotation, the reduced-diameter portion (20) of the container neck moves axially toward the breakable portion (28a) until the portion (20) breaks it, thus opening the container and allowing the oil to flow into the engine oil tank (14).

Abstract: An apparatus including a first housing coaxially aligned with and separable relative to the second housing is provided, wherein the first housing includes a puncture rod arranged to address and puncture a gas charged cylinder within the second housing, whereupon the puncture rod includes pneumatic conduit structure to direct pressurized gas from the cylinder into a delivery conduit for mounting to an associated bicycle tire.

Abstract: Aerosol spray cans are positioned one at a time at a workstation by inserting the bottom wall of each can through an appropriately sized centering ring to center the bottom wall relative to an annular seal that engages peripheral portions of the bottom wall to support the can at the workstation. The bottom wall is clamped into sealing engagement with the annular seal by using a lever operated clamping mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate all known standard sizes of aerosol spray cans. The bottom wall is punctured by using a lever operated, rack and pinion driven piercing mechanism that extends a piercing pin through the center opening of the annular seal. Contents that discharge from a pierced can are ducted into a receiving container, a lower portion of which is used to collect liquid contents for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: A method and assembly for treating hazardous and/or unknown fluids either liquids or compressed gases contained in a gas cylinder (12) having a cylinder body (14) and a removable fixture (16). The assembly (10) includes a tubular housing (18) having an open end (20). An adjustable carriage assembly (34, 38, 40) is included for supporting the cylinder body (14) in the center of the housing (18). A clamping assembly (30) secures the cylinder body (14) to the carriage assembly (34, 38, 42). An end cap (70) seals the open end (20) of the housing (18). A shaft (72) is rotatably disposed through the end cap (70). The shaft (72) includes a fixture engagement assembly (78) on one end (76) thereof for engaging a portion of the fixture (16) and imparting a rotational force thereto. A motor driven gear box (86) imparts the rotational force to another end (74) of the shaft (72 ).

Abstract: A sealed, flexible plastic sheet bag for storing liquids that is penetrable by a spiked connector through a spike channel fitting. The spike channel fitting is sealed between a pair of folds on one side of the bag so that the inside port of the channel is adjacent to the folded plastic sheet. The spike is inserted through the channel of the spike channel fitting and punctures the plastic sheet to tap the bag to remove the liquid. Leakage is prevented by both the seal between the plastic sheet and the spike and the seal between the bag and the spike channel fitting.

Abstract: An emergency locating device allows an injured person to inflate and deploy a balloon using only one hand. The device has a cylindrical housing holding a cartridge pressurized with a quantity of a lighter-than-air gas, a quick-release fitting for removably attaching the balloon to the upper end of the housing, and an actuator extending from the lower end of the housing for causing a pin to puncture the cartridge when the actuator is depressed to allow gas to flow from the cartridge through the fitting to inflate the balloon. The fitting can be manually separated into a lower segment that remains attached to the housing, and an upper segment attached to the balloon that includes a one-way valve to prevent gas from escaping. The inflated balloon is tethered by a line to the housing. The upper portion of the housing can be used as a reel or spool to store the tether line when not in use.

Abstract: A closure or cap for a reagent container for use in an analysis system in which an automatic pipetting device is used for transferring small quantities of reagent from the reagent container to reaction cells. In order to simplify the process of handling the reagent container in an automatic analysis system, the closure is characterized in that it is formed in one piece from a plastic and it has a cylindrical side wall and an annular top wall adjacent the side wall and merging into a conical wall which extends inwards from the inner circle of the top wall and ends in a piercable tip situated on the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: The system ensures the proper placement of bottles which deliver material to a system. The system prevents male components from being mounted on incorrect female components. The male components can be tubes, and the female components can be covers which fit on the openings of bottles. A first key is formed on a first male component and a complementarily-shaped first keyway is formed on a first female component. Additional male and female component pairs have similar key-keyway pairs. Each key and each keyway includes first and second projections. The first projection is located in a reference position, and the second projection is located a predetermined distance from the reference position. This distance for each component pair is selected to identify the particular component pair.

Abstract: An isolating chamber (1) with an annular connector (5) defines an access opening with one dimension greater than that perpendicular thereto and with an internal wall (5A) of constant section to allow the hermetic sliding of successive closure pieces (7,7X) which have a closure membrane (14,14X), and an annular cutting device (9B) for the membrane and for another membrane joined thereto. Each transfer machine (3) has a passageways slot and a closure membrane (22). The two membranes are designed to adhere to each other during the joining up of the two confined volumes (1,3) and are cut by the annular cutting device (9B) to define a discoid (D) with two at least peripherally joined thicknesses. The discoid can be removed into one of the confined volumes to provide the passage between the two the confined volumes; a subsequent uncut closure piece (7X) can be installed in the connector (5) from the interior of the isolating chamber (1), in order to replace the previous closure piece (7) which thus can be removed.

Abstract: A protection system is provided for the transfer of toxic liquid from a bulk container through a first conduit to a connector for a delivery device such as a dosage syringe. A second conduit connects the connector to a waste receptacle. The first and second conduits penetrate the closed end of a flexible barrier bag. The bag is initially retracted from the bulk container to allow manipulation of the bulk container. The bag is subsequently extended over and sealed around the bulk container and waste receptacle to protect the health care provider during liquid transfer to the deliver device.

Abstract: A filling device for anesthetic vaporizers, with a connection piece which can be connected to a connection opening of an anesthetic reservoir in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner. Leakage of anesthetic gas or liquid anesthetic can be avoided during the filling especially of low-boiling anesthetics by providing the reservoir 10 with a seal 17, which closes the connection opening 9 at least in a liquid-tight manner and can be opened by a projection 5 which is arranged on the connection piece 2 and extends into the interior space of the connection opening 9, as soon as the connection piece 2 is sealed off from the surroundings against the connection opening 9 by a sealing element 15 in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically evacuating blood aspiration tubes has an arraying table supporting a number of stoppered blood aspiration tubes which are to be evacuated, an air suction needle for evacuating air from inside the stoppered blood aspiration tubes, and an arm supporting the air suction needle on a needle rest and moving it horizontally and vertically over the arraying table. A drive control moves the air suction needle downward into the stopper of each of the blood aspiration tubes in turn, causes the needle to evacuate air from the tube, then withdraws the needle upward from the stopper. A presser is mounted to a lower part of the needle rest and presses the stopper during the upward movement of the needle in order to maintain the air-tight stoppering of the tube.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the transfer out of a tight enclosure of a fluid solution contained in a polluted container (R1). The transfer is accomplished without removing the polluted container from the enclosure and without breaking the seal of the polluted container. After a clean container (R2) is placed in a receptacle (30) normally isolated from the remainder of the enclosure, the solution is transferred into the clean container (R2) vacuum by a needle. Transfer of the clean container out of the enclosure takes place pneumatically following rotation of a casing containing the receptacle.

Abstract: A vapor reduction system for a solvent bottle (12) which is performed in an enclosure (11). A timer (23) controls events during a purge cycle. A vent (14) removes vapors from the enclosure to a vapor treatment system. Pressurized gas is forced through the solvent bottle (12) which vaporizes solvent liquid. A receptacle (16) receives solvent liquid and vapor forced from solvent bottle (12). A line (17) removes to solvent liquid from the receptacle (16) to an environmentally safe container. A second line (18) removes solvent vapor from the receptacle (16) to the vapor treatment system. A fire extinguishing system (31) senses and extinguishes any fire which may develop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing gases and liquid from containers. The ice punctures the bottom of a container for purposes of exhausting gases and liquid from the container without their escaping into the atmosphere. The device includes an inner cup or cylinder having a top portion with an open end for receiving a container and a bottom portion which may be fastened to a disposal or waste container in a substantially leak-proof manner. A piercing device is mounted in the lower portion of the inner cylinder for puncturing the can bottom placed in the inner cylinder. An outer cylinder having an open end and a closed end fits over the top portion of the inner cylinder in telescoping engagement. A force exerted on the closed end of the outer cylinder urges the bottom of a can in the inner cylinder into engagement with the piercing device in the bottom of the inner cylinder to form an opening in the can bottom, thereby permitting the contents of the can to enter the disposal container.

Abstract: Means and apparatus for aseptically transferring material between enclosures. Apparatus for transferring the material includes a fluid receiver assembly (12) comprising an adapter (24), and a fitting (93) mounted in the adapter (24). The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside of the fluid receiver assembly (12) toward the interior of the enclosure (10), and seal means (26) at the ends of the channels (86). Pierceable, self-closing seal means (26) is between ends of each of the channels (86) and the interior of the enclosure. Projected extensions of the channels pass through corresponding holes (40) in the adapter, so that needles (101) inserted into the channels (86) can penetrate the seal means (26) and enter the interior of the enclosure (10). A plurality of needles (101) in a novel needle bundle (95) may be used in making the transfer.

Abstract: The fluid transfer device of the present invention is used for example, to provide access to a vacuum tube which is sealed with a stopper. The device has a cylindrical body with a top wall portion and first and second conduits fixed and extending therethrough. The first, or pouring conduit, and second, or pressure equilibrating conduit, extend generally in a parallel manner above and below the top wall portion, and their respective bottom portions are contained within the body of the hollow device. The pair of conduits are constructed and arranged within the body of the device to pierce and enter through the stopper of the sealed container to permit the delivery of fluid. Further, the device has a structure that can be easily and economically manufactured for disposable use.

Abstract: A puncturing device (10) for pressurized containers (12) comprises an elongated housing member (16) defining an elongated cavity (24) with openings (26, 28) at first and second ends (30, 32) thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including a selective attachment member (36) for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle (38). A non-sparking puncturing apparatus (18), with a lever (44) having a built-in stop (48, 50), is movably mounted on the housing member with a pivot-link (54)-driven puncture pin (56) extending through an intermediate aperture (34) into the cavity for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container below an internal shoulder (40) thereof with a seal (42). Thus, gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the opening in the second end.

Abstract: A system of cleaning a drain by opening a container within a dispenser and dispensing drain cleaner from the container, through an outlet of the dispenser, and into the drain. The dispenser may have an upwardly extending pin for opening the container. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a cutter for opening an angled end of the container. In another alternative, the container may include a plug and a cooperating stem for opening the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of cleaning a drain by unlocking and opening a container within a dispenser and dispensing drain cleaner from the container, through an outlet of the dispenser, and into the drain. The dispenser may have an upwardly extending pin for opening the container. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a cutter for opening an angled end of the container. In another alternative, the container may include a plug and a cooperating stem for opening the bottom of the container. A mechanism for locking the dispenser in an unused state is included in the dispenser.

Abstract: Straws, in particular for artificial insemination of animals and storage of biological products, are filled by aspiration through a suction nozzle fitted with a needle which enters the straw to the rear of a composite stopper and is fitted with a seal. A biological product (diluted sperm) is drawn up a flexible elastomer tube to an injector nozzle in response to reducing the pressure in the straw. The flexible tube is held centered over a distance equal to at least five times its outside diameter in a hoop held in a support. The elastomer from which the flexible tube is made has a Shore hardness of 41 to 47 and a reversible elongation capacity of at least 250%. These arrangements ensure rigorous centering of the needle in the hoop despite the flexibility of the tube. Parts which have been in contact with the sperm can be discarded after all of a sample has been used up, rather than requiring costly cleaning.

Abstract: An adapter has a cannula to deliver a drug to the interior of a vial. The vial contains a plunger that has a penetratable self-sealing rubber diaphragm, as is common. The adapter comprises a barrel adapted to fit over and telescope onto the vial, with a cannula rigidly mounted axially in the barrel and long enough to reach the bottom of the vial after penetrating the rubber diaphragm. The barrel incorporates fins that stabilize the cannula axially. Cover plugs are provided to close both the barrel and the vial before use. When the covers are removed and the barrel s fitted down over the vial, the cannula projects beyond the fins to penetrate the plunger and push the plunger to the bottom of the vial. The long barrel and the rigidly maintained cannula insure that the cannula cannot contact the inner wall of the vial.

Abstract: In order to automatically carry out the emptying and rinsing of non-recoverable bottles or flasks (78) made from a perforatable material such as polyethylene and e.g. containing a low activity solution (88), an apparatus is proposed making it possible to pass the inverted bottles under a double-walled needle (44). The needle (44), operated by a jack, perforates the bottom (82) of the flask (78). Compressed air is then injected into the bottle above the solution (88) through the annular passage formed between the walls of the needle (44), so as to discharge the solution through the central passage of the needle. The flask is then rinsed by injecting pressurized water in place of the compressed air. Finally, the rinsing water is discharged by a further compressed air injection. The emptied and rinsed flasks are then passed to a station, where they are directly discharged into a storage drum.

Abstract: Adapter (24) is adapted to be permanently secured into a tank, or other enclosure. The adapter is configured to receive a replaceable fitting, which is adapted for aseptically transferring fluid material between enclosures. The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside of the fluid receiver assembly (12) toward the interior of the enclosure (10), and a seal means (26) at the ends of the channels (86). Pierceable, self-closing seal means (26) is between ends of each of the channels (86) and the interior of the enclosure. Projected extensions of the channels pass through corresponding holes (40) in the adapter, so that needles (101) inserted into the channels (86) can penetrate the seal means (26 and enter the interior of the enclosure (10).

Abstract: A device for assisting in the transfer of fluid from a bag into a fluid reservoir. The device includes a generally upstanding member dimensioned to receive the fluid bag. The container has an open top and fluidly communicates with the interior of a reservoir. A bag support extends across the container in a non-fluidly sealed manner. A fixed cutter is provided having a blade facing a side of the container. The fluid bag is provided with a fluid encircled sealed opening which is placed over the cutter and drawn toward a blade on the cutter to sever the bag and allow fluid to escape past the bag support and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: A puncturing device for relieving the pressure in pressurized containers and allowing the collection of the released gases and residual contents by providing a generally bottle-shaped housing member for receiving a pressurized container in an inverted position, the housing being adapted at its lower end for attachment to a collection container and having an aperture to permit entrance of a puncturing device. A second flat member is provided for slidably engaging the upward facing end of the pressurized container to force the pressurized container downward within the housing member against a resilient beveled shoulder secured therein to create a seal, an angular third member with a puncturing device at the lower end thereof and attachment to a pivot point for moving the third member relative to the housing member for puncturing the pressurized container therein by forcing the puncturing device through the aperture in the housing member and into the pressurized container.

Abstract: A needle-shielding fluid transfer device for safely transferring fluid from a needle-bearing medical device to a separate container. The device includes a housing having a passage therethrough. At one end section of the housing, the passage has a relatively large diameter and the housing is adapted to easily accept and hold the needle-bearing medical device from which fluid is to be transferred. At a second end section, the housing is adapted to accept the container into which fluid is to be transferred. When a needle-bearing medical device is inserted into the passage at the first end section of the passage and a container is inserted into the second end section of the housing the needle of the needle-bearing medical device enters the container and fluid may be transferred. In one embodiment, the housing is split into two housing components to form a clamshell-like structure.

Abstract: A tank of soluble powdered compound for the preparation of beverages comprising a container (10) the mouth of which is connected to a union (11) for supply of the compound to an automatic beverage preparation and dispensing machine, said container comprising near its mouth a circumferential shoulder (17) in complementary engagement with the union. The engagement is irreversible, and the shoulder itself is breakable from the container by engagement with a blade (15) in the union (11) upon rotation of the container (10) therein so as to permit separation of the container (10) from the union (11).

Abstract: A method of charging a battery with electrolyte, utilizing a container having a supply of electrolyte therein and a number of outlet spouts which are simultaneously inserted into the battery cells while the battery is on its side such that when the battery is moved to upright position the electrolyte simultaneously pours into the battery cells from the spouts respectively. The container has a plurality of cells communicating with the spouts respectively and a conduit in the container interconnects all of the cells of the container.

Abstract: One of the two confined volumes, for example the "supplying" one (2), is provided with a tubular perforating element (3) confined within a space closed by a diaphragm or perforable wall (503); the second confined volume (1) also has a perforable diaphragm (301); the surfaces of the two diaphragms (503, 301) directed towards the external environment are permanently bonded together after which the perforator (3) is manipulated from the outside so as to perforate the two diaphragms, placing in communication, via the tubular duct of the perforator, the confined environment of the supplying volume with that of the second volume.

Abstract: The present invention comprehends the provision of a fluid tight holding chamber which accumulates solution from the vial that aspirates during mixing or drawing fluid from the vial or is pressured out of the syringe upon extraction of the cannula from the vial. The holding chamber is defined in conjunction with the vial septum by a shield cap that surrounds and seals to the neck of the vial. The shield cap defines a guide for the cannula of the syringe and directs the cannula through a sealing member, the holding chamber, the septum and into the vial. One aspect of the invention provides a sleeve portion on the shield cap that receives and retains the syringe barrel. An arm is provided on the sleeve portion and has a notch that holds the syringe barrel in a predetermined position during shipment and storage of the assembly.

Abstract: Device for releasing a remaining gas which can easily puncture a hole without involving danger and a cap of a pressure can container which removably stores such a device. The remaining gas releasing device has a flexible sponge plate, a push pin member with its pin portion fitted into the center of one of the surfaces of the sponge plate, a center hole rigid sheet member positioned around the push pin member, a gas-impermeable rigid sheet plate bonded to the surfaces of the center hole rigid plate member, an adhesive sheet plate bonded to the other surface of the sponge plate so that the other surface is covered therewith and having a small hole at its center, and a release sheet plate peelably bonded to the adhesive sheet plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for aseptically transferring material between enclosures. Apparatus for transferring the material includes a fluid receiver assembly (12) comprising an adapter (24), and a fitting (93) mounted in the adapter (24). The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside of the fluid receiver assembly (12) toward the interior of the enclosure (10), and a seal (26) at the ends of the channels (86). A pierceable, self-closing seal (26) is between ends of each of the channels (86) and the interior of the enclosure. Projected extensions of the channels pass through corresponding holes (40) in the adapter, so that needles (101) inserted into the channels (86) can penetrate the seal (26) and enter the interior of the enclosure (10). A plurality of needles (101) in a novel needle bundle (95) may be used in making the transfer. An assembly for transferring material between two stationary enclosures comprises a pair of novel needle bundles (295) and connecting tubing (266).

Abstract: In a toner transfer system of a printer or copier, a suction nozzle inside a toner-tight protective sheath is arranged in verticallly displaceable fashion in a guide in the printer or copier, this suction nozzle being in communication via a pipe line with a developer station of the printer or copier. At it slower end, the guide has an adaptor for connection to a toner container. When the toner container is to be changed, the toner container is swivelled via a holding mechanism and a new container is connected to the adaptor. A cutter on the adaptor then punctures a sealing foil over the filling and emptying opening of the toner container. For emptying, the suction nozzle moves vertically into the toner container whose floor is fashioned funnel-shaped to form a toner collecting region.

Abstract: A seal puncture fitting mounted to the distal end of a spout of a liquid container including a cylindrical collar disposed about the spout in telescopic relation thereto wherein the collar is attached to the spout by a cam structure designed to allow both rotational and vertical movement of the collar in relation to the spout. A cutting blade is disposed within the collar at an upper end thereof, such that downward vertical movement of the collar causes the cutting blade to puncture a membrane seal disposed in covering, sealed relation to the spout opening. The upper portion of the collar includes a threaded outer surface for threaded engagement of a cap thereby preventing liquid from spilling between each use.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a conveyor system for conveying tubes, having respective self-sealing closure members, sequentially to a station whereupon the conveyor system is temporarily halted. At the station, a clamping device having a clamp lowers to prevent movement of the tube. An arm moves in the direction of the tube to enable a hollow needle to penetrate the closure member of the tube. A metering pump enables a predetermined volume of a fluid, preferably liquid agar, to be introduced into the tube. Following release of the needle from the closure member, the conveyor systems moves to enable another tube to arrive at the station.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head until comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping until where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders comprises an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.